The Nigerian women’s basketball team, DTigress, is gearing up to start their journey towards the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team is set to face off against Australia in their first game, as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) recently released the fixtures for the upcoming tournament.
DTigress, who are currently ranked 17th in the world, will be looking to make a strong statement in their opening game against the 2nd ranked Australian team. The game is scheduled to take place on July 26, 2024, at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois-Perret, France.
The FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. The top three teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, where they will compete for a spot in the Olympics.
DTigress will also face off against Belgium and Puerto Rico in the group stage, on July 28 and July 29 respectively. The team will be looking to secure wins in these games to increase their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
The Nigerian team has a strong history in the Olympics, having qualified for the last two editions in 2016 and 2020. In 2016, they made history by becoming the first African team to win a game in the Olympics, defeating Croatia 74-71. They also put up a strong fight against the eventual silver medalists, Spain, losing by just 3 points.
The team will be hoping to build on their previous performances and make a mark in the 2024 Olympics. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, DTigress has the potential to cause upsets and make a deep run in the tournament.
The FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be a crucial step for DTigress in their journey towards the Paris Olympics. The team will have to bring their A-game and showcase their skills against tough opponents to secure a spot in the Olympics.
The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) has expressed their excitement for the upcoming tournament and is confident in the team’s abilities. NBBF President, Musa Kida, stated, “We are excited about the fixtures and we are confident that our team will put up a good fight against all our opponents.”
The FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament will not only be a chance for DTigress to qualify for the Olympics but also an opportunity to showcase the growth and development of women’s basketball in Nigeria. The team has been making strides in recent years, and a strong performance in the tournament will only further elevate the sport in the country.
As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics begins, DTigress is ready to kick off their campaign against Australia and make their mark on the international stage. With determination, hard work, and support from their fans, the team is poised to make Nigeria proud and bring home a medal.
